Navigation
Login
Recent articles
Classics
Search
Links
UAAP Season 71 Preview: NU Bulldogs
Wed, Jun 25, 2008 by JeffO
Overview: The token bottom feeder of the league with which you could pencil a win when you see them on the calendar. Since entering the league in 1987, NU was a consistent 7th-8th seeder until making it to the Final Four once in 2002, thanks to the combined efforts of Alfie Grijaldo, Jeff Napa, Ronnie Cajayon and Froilan Baguion. But NU was back to the business of being doormats after that year, until showing signs of life last season by performing admirably in the 1st round, then finally ending the year with a bang - a win against Ateneo that ruined the latter team's chances of locking no. 2.
Why you should root for them: The greatest player/courtside reporter/assistant coach of all time - Jeff Napa
Why you shouldn't: Birthplace of Danny Ildefonso's piggery
Roster changes: NU loses quite a chunk of notable rotation players this year starting with their top perimeter threat Jonathan Fernandez, the scoring punch of Joseph Lingao-Lingao and Cyrus Malagueno as well as Michael Salvado.
Lucky for them, the team's ace-in-the-hole and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Edwin Asoro will be back to crash the boards and do everything as long as you don't make him shoot the ball. The hardworking Raymund Aguilar and the instant offense of Jonathan Jhanke and Chris Catamora will also be on hand to provide Asoro secondary help in his fifth and final campaign.
Bench: The Bulldogs second unit will comprise mostly of rookies and holdover sophs from last year like big man Joel Ponferrada. But the best player off the bench (assuming he remains in it) would be Junior guard Jessie Garcia who's been playing exceptionally well in their summer league showings highlighted by a 27-point explosion against the San Beda Red Lions. Expect the 6'2" spitfire to have a breakout year after two seasons of riding the pine.
Coaching Philosophy: NU boasts an eclectic coaching staff unrivaled in the league, spearheaded by head coach Manny Dandan and his assistants Chico Manabat and Jeff Napa, with the latter responsible for shooting drills while the former is tasked to help their wards improve in the lost Filipino art of dribbling.
In addition to this, the Bulldogs tabbed the services of Bong Navarro, who aside from being a high-profile comedian and actor, is also an ordained minister. The team believed that the players would be more inclined to submit to the ways of Catholicism if a suave entertainer is the one doing the preaching, as well as to help exorcise the demons that have besieged them. Not a long time has passed before the team bought into the system, displaying the camaraderie and efficient teamwork of Japanese World War II soldiers.
Go-To Move: The Bulldogs may have finished 6th last year but in terms of chucking, they ranked 2nd next to Patrick Cabahug. NU's gameplan is to essentially launch jump shots to their heart's content, with Asoro and Aguilar positioned underneath the basket ready to clean up. Not surprisingly, NU's shooters (even non-shooters) would eventually tire out leading to a brickfest and subsequently, a loss.
Outlook: Strong 1st round play and maybe a Final Four spot, assuming they show up for the other half.
Wed, Jun 25, 2008 by JeffO
Overview: The token bottom feeder of the league with which you could pencil a win when you see them on the calendar. Since entering the league in 1987, NU was a consistent 7th-8th seeder until making it to the Final Four once in 2002, thanks to the combined efforts of Alfie Grijaldo, Jeff Napa, Ronnie Cajayon and Froilan Baguion. But NU was back to the business of being doormats after that year, until showing signs of life last season by performing admirably in the 1st round, then finally ending the year with a bang - a win against Ateneo that ruined the latter team's chances of locking no. 2.Why you should root for them: The greatest player/courtside reporter/assistant coach of all time - Jeff Napa
Why you shouldn't: Birthplace of Danny Ildefonso's piggery
Roster changes: NU loses quite a chunk of notable rotation players this year starting with their top perimeter threat Jonathan Fernandez, the scoring punch of Joseph Lingao-Lingao and Cyrus Malagueno as well as Michael Salvado.
Lucky for them, the team's ace-in-the-hole and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Edwin Asoro will be back to crash the boards and do everything as long as you don't make him shoot the ball. The hardworking Raymund Aguilar and the instant offense of Jonathan Jhanke and Chris Catamora will also be on hand to provide Asoro secondary help in his fifth and final campaign.
Bench: The Bulldogs second unit will comprise mostly of rookies and holdover sophs from last year like big man Joel Ponferrada. But the best player off the bench (assuming he remains in it) would be Junior guard Jessie Garcia who's been playing exceptionally well in their summer league showings highlighted by a 27-point explosion against the San Beda Red Lions. Expect the 6'2" spitfire to have a breakout year after two seasons of riding the pine.Coaching Philosophy: NU boasts an eclectic coaching staff unrivaled in the league, spearheaded by head coach Manny Dandan and his assistants Chico Manabat and Jeff Napa, with the latter responsible for shooting drills while the former is tasked to help their wards improve in the lost Filipino art of dribbling.
In addition to this, the Bulldogs tabbed the services of Bong Navarro, who aside from being a high-profile comedian and actor, is also an ordained minister. The team believed that the players would be more inclined to submit to the ways of Catholicism if a suave entertainer is the one doing the preaching, as well as to help exorcise the demons that have besieged them. Not a long time has passed before the team bought into the system, displaying the camaraderie and efficient teamwork of Japanese World War II soldiers.
Go-To Move: The Bulldogs may have finished 6th last year but in terms of chucking, they ranked 2nd next to Patrick Cabahug. NU's gameplan is to essentially launch jump shots to their heart's content, with Asoro and Aguilar positioned underneath the basket ready to clean up. Not surprisingly, NU's shooters (even non-shooters) would eventually tire out leading to a brickfest and subsequently, a loss.
Outlook: Strong 1st round play and maybe a Final Four spot, assuming they show up for the other half.
Copyright © The 15th Parallel
Comment: 1